Comparison of sodium hyaluronate and methylcellulose in extracapsular cataract extraction

Extracapsular cataract surgery with posterior chamber lens implantation was performed in a total of 30 patients. These were randomly divided into two groups. In one group sodium hyaluronate 1% (Healon) was used as a tool in surgery, in the other group methylcellulose 2% was used. The viscous substances were irrigated out of the eyes at the conclusion of surgery. Central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, and aqueous flare were recorded until one month post-operatively. There was no difference in corneal thickness between the two groups. The mean intraocular pressure was lower than pre-operatively in both groups with a lower pressure in the methylcellulose group compared to the sodium hyaluronate group during the first part of the observation period.